LIFESTYLE: MY INTERIOR WISHLIST- PASTELS



I'm really into pastel interiors at the moment, we have a blush theme going on in our living room and I don't see it going anywhere soon! I just love it, it's warm and makes our living room really cosy. We rent so our walls are white so I like to add colour where I can. I really want to get some new bits for our living room so I've put together a little wish list of some of my favourite pieces. I've gone for a colour scheme of grey, white, pale blue and blush pink.  

I've tried to add different textures, I would love a mixture of pink and grey cushions on the sofa. I love this fluffy grey cushion from Next. These suede effect blush curtains are so lovely, they look super expensive and look amazing with this fluffy pink rug!  

How beautiful is this Duck Egg Blue sofa from Zurleys it's from their Scandinavian furniture collection. I just love it!! I love the clean, simple style. I would add loads of cushions to add texture.  
I think the blue and pink look fab together and I love some of the Velvet and fluffy textures look beautiful together. I think some plants and candles would tie everything together for an amazing scandi inspired look. The colour is just gorgeous but it also comes in Grey.  

I think the sofa would love fab next to this velvet pouffe from John Lewis, it comes in loads of colours so perfect for any colour scheme.  

I think this rattan basket  from Amazon is fab for any living room, you can use it to keep your blankets in or even toys if you have a little one like me. Again it adds texture to the room, I think rattan is fab to adds to the Scandinavian inspired living space I'm after.  
  
These Scandinavian side tables are really modern, but the natural wood dipped legs add to the Scandinavian vibe i'm trying to create.  
They also come in Grey. You can use them as a nest of tables or split them up and use them in different areas of the room.  

* This is a sponsored post 
  




  

Posted by at No comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

LIFESTYLE: 6 NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS TO HELP YOU GROW AS A PERSON




New year’s resolutions are a great chance to turn over a new leaf, set some intentions for the year ahead and provide yourself with SMART goals to work towards. Many people stick to the same set of resolutions, to lose weight, to exercise more, to earn more money or to be more healthy and although these aren’t bad resolutions to have, most people don’t stick to them. So why not try something a little bit different this New Year and set yourself some new year’s resolutions that will help you grow as a person. Here are a few examples. 

  1. To travel more
    Whether planning a round the world trip has always been on your bucket list or you simply want to take a few more European weekend breaks, set it as a new years resolution and then make it happen. Travelling is a great way to grow as a person and will open your eyes to new cultures and ways of doing things.
  2. To give back
    Giving back to your local community by either volunteering your time or making a regular financial donation can impact the lives of so many people in need and is a great way to remind yourself how fortunate you are to be in a position to help. Just a few hours of volunteering a month can make a big difference.
  3. To practice self-love regularly
    Self-love is a term that has been thrown around a lot in recent years but it remains an important part of personal growth. Learning to look after and love yourself is at the core of so many other areas of personal development so why not make your new years resolution to simply do something for yourself each week and to be more positive about yourself.
  4. To learn something new
    Unless it’s learning something new for work, many of us tend to neglect the act of learning as we enter adulthood. But learning a new skill not only provides you with a new party trick but is also a great way to challenge yourself and expand your mind. Learning something new is a great new years resolution as it is diverse, you could learn a new language, take piano lessons, or teach yourself to knit, whatever it is, do it for you.
  5. To say ‘yes’ more
    One of the best ways to get out of your comfort zone and grow your confidence is by saying yes to more things. Whether it’s saying yes to going out for a meal when you would rather stay in bed or saying yes to taking charge of a project at work that you’d usually let someone else handle, saying yes will help you try new things and push yourself.
  6. To say ‘no’ more
    If on the other hand, you are constantly finding yourself overwhelmed with things to do or are neglecting your own self-care to do things for others, then it may be time to start learning to say no more. Saying no can be hard but it’s important to realise that your time is precious and you need to look after yourself first in order to be best positioned to look after others.
*collaborative post
Posted by at No comments

LIFESTYLE: 4 THINGS YOU COULD BUY YOUR FOUR LEGGED FRIEND THIS CHRISTMAS



The UK is a nation of animal lovers with 24% of the UK population owning a cat and 26% owning a dog meaning that there are currently more pets in UK households than ever before. Our four-legged friends are often so much more than just a pet, they’re a friend, a loved one and a member of the family with people splashing out £250,000,000 during the festive season on Christmas gifts for their pets. So a gift guide for our furry friends suddenly doesn’t seem all that out of place? Here are 4 things you could purchase your pet this Christmas. 
  1. Some tasty high-quality food
    Most animals think with their stomachs so buying them some tasty, natural, high-quality food from companies such as Lilys Kitchen is bound to go down a treat and your pets will thank you for it. Most commercial pet food is filled with ingredients that are neither nutritional or balanced for your pet so looking into higher quality food alternatives won’t only keep your pets tastebuds happy but could help to prologue their life too.
  2. A subscription to a Pawsome Box
    Out pets, love treats all year round and subscription box services such as Pawsome Box ensure that they get a seasonal selection of tasty treats and tantalising toys all year round, not to mention there are some things in there for the owners too. Pawsome Boxes can be customised to suit your pet so whether they are a cat or dog, big, small, young or old, there will be a selection of custom treats coming their way each month.
  3. A donation to an animal charity
    Although we love seeing our pets play with new toys on Christmas day why not also help provide for one of the thousands of pets in animal shelters over the Christmas period by donating a portion of your pets Christmas present budget to charities such as the RSPCA where £3 can buy an abandoned pet a Christmas dinner on Christmas day. With 90% of pet owners buying their pets gifts on Christmas day if each of them donated just £3 to an animal charity they could collectively raise a huge amount of money to help pets in need.
  4. The chance to try out something new
    Although we like to buy our pets a physical gift, let’s be honest, many of them also just love the process of ripping apart wrapping paper and playing with it on the floor, so you could wrap them up an empty box if you chose to get them a gift that isn’t something they can immediately play with on Christmas day. People aren’t the only ones who like to try something new, our pets do too, so why not give them the opportunity to experience something fun and exciting in the new year such as subscribing your dog to a series of dog agility classes, or taking your cat to a cat yoga class? There are so many pet based activities that you could choose from which will not only enrich your pets life but help to strengthen your bond with them too.

*Collaborative post
Posted by at No comments

LIFESTYLE: TOP TIPS FOR ADDING VALUE TO YOUR HOME

f you are looking to add value to your home, then there are a whole host of things that you could do. From a complete renovation to just updating a room, there are plenty of options for you, depending on your budget. You don’t need to have to plan to sell your home anytime soon, but knowing that you have more value in your home can make such a difference; your home is an investment after all. 
There are certain projects that will not only be able to boost the kerb appeal of the home, which can seal the deal when you’re showing potential buyers. But they don’t need to cost a lot of money, even if they can help to make you some money. The work of builders is a lot that you will be paying for, so make sure that you choose people to do the work that you are really happy with. Then it can all make a difference to the value and quality of your home.

Put Structural Issues Right
One of the best ways to add value to your home is to sort out any of the structural problems that come from wear and tear in the home. There can be issues like subsidence, and these kinds of things can really lower the value of the home. Plus, it doesn’t make sense to overhaul so much of the inside of the home, if the outside, or structural issues, aren’t dealt with first. Put your mindset in that of a prospective buyer; will they want a brand new kitchen if there is subsidence or issues with the basement, for example? 
New Heating System
If you are thinking about adding some value to your home, then one simple things that you can do is to look at what you already have; your heating system. There are many homes that don’t even central heating, so if you have an older home like that, then that can be the first thing to do. You could have a system that needs updating; either way, it will make a big difference and help to add value to your home. A new central heating system can also help to make the home more energy efficient.
Convert Your Loft
A loft conversion can cost quite a bit of money, depending on the size of the loft space. But when you think about adding value to the home, then it is likely to be something that is a good investment because you can add in a brand new room. You will need to make space for a new staircase, though, too. But a loft conversion can add so much value to the home, and definitely make its money back. Make sure enough natural light can be brought in too, as that can make a real difference to the overall look and feel of the room. 
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adding value, but there are plenty of different things that you can do if you’re prepared to invest in it.


* collaborative post
Posted by at No comments

LIFESTYLE: THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ACHIEVING A VINTAGE INTERIOR


Vintage is the on trend buzzword when it comes to interiors. All things mid century, tile topped, Danish and retro are sought after; the more original, the better. It can be tough to create a desirable vintage look as you run the risk of your living room looking more like a junk shop rather than a high end interior. The vintage look is best harnessed when it is mixed with more modern touches. Take a look at how can create a high end look by using an eclectic mix of interior techniques and decor.
Features
The ideal way to use vintage pieces is to make them the focal point of any room. Because they are one of a kind pieces and aren’t from generic flat pack style furniture stores, you can enjoy having a one off Danish tile topped coffee table in the centre of your living room. Alternatively, you might spy a retro 1960s G Plan sofa for your snug. Or perhaps you’d rather make a feature out of your fireplace. If you are fortunate enough to live in a Victorian or Georgian humble abode, the chances are that you have a glorious old fireplace. Consider making this a feature of your living room and refurbishing it. Victorian cast iron fireplaces are as vintage as it gets with tiled surrounds and stunning hearths.
If you want a feature fireplace but haven’t got one of your own, head to a reclamation yard and install one into your dwelling. This will give your home the vintage feature that you crave.
Furniture
The furniture you buy for your home doesn’t have to be expensive. If you want a vintage look, but cannot go all out authentic, head to a furniture clearance sale and scour the bargains. You could find many modern pieces made out of solid wood that pay homage to the mid century era of utility furniture and angular lines. Tables and chairs can be curvy and post modern like the sputnik 1960s orbs, or they may be more rustic and shabby chic like those now found in farmhouse kitchens all over the country. If you fancy a spot of upcycling or distressing, buy cheap online and then get the chalk paint out for experimenting.
Walls
You might be tempted to redecorate to help your new vintage pieces fit into a more suitable interior. You can make your walls more vintage than the furniture that it houses. Consider whipping up a feature wall of geometric wallpaper full of mustard yellows and burnt oranges in recognition of the cool patterns of the 1960s. Some shops will still stock the original patterns albeit on more resilient paper. If you have the money, you might fancy checking out the designer wallpaper. The flock and damask varieties are on trend at the moment. Pair your wallpaper with stark white walls and they will pop.

Designing a vintage interior for your home needn’t be difficult. Follow this guide and you could achieve the perfect mid century look.

*Collaborative post
Posted by at No comments

[AD GIFTED] HOW I STYLED MY NEW PINK FEMME LUXE JUMPER!




So i'm actually in love with my new jumper from Femme Luxe, it's so cosy and warm and so super cute. 

They have so many cute jumpers to choose from!

I've worn it like 2 or 3 times since I got it a few days ago! I wore it to work with my black skinny jeans and boots. I got so many compliments. Then I wore it yesterday for a stroll around the park with Amelia with my black polka dot skirt from Primark. It looks lovely tucked in with my boots! 

It's a lovely thick quality and super soft. I love the detailing on the shoulders, it breaks it up a little and actually makes it more flattering. The sleeves are nice and long too making it super cosy. 

This jumper also comes in White and Rust so if the pink isn't for you then check the other colours out! 



Posted by at No comments

LIFESTYLE: IS IT EXPENSIVE TO MAKE YOUR HOME ECO-FRIENDLY?

Everyone is keen to get in on the sustainable act. You might have heard the buzz words of ethically aware, environmentally sound and green. But, how can you make your home fit this newfound perfect sustainable persona? Surely, the paint that you choose, the lighting that you pick and the flooring that you plump for isn’t going to make that much of a difference to the survival of the planet? However, if everyone decided to take baby steps towards being more environmentally aware, oak trees will grow from tiny acorns. Take a look at how making your home eco-friendly needn’t break the bank.

Lighting
If you have powerful strip lighting or old school incandescent bulbs lighting up your rooms, it’s time to think again. Yes, the latest energy saving bulbs are more expensive to buy, but they can last twenty times longer than their older equivalents. They don’t use as much electricity, and the hue that they cascade around your rooms is more pleasant to the eye. You could even opt for vintage style Edison classics. You no longer have to squint as you wsitch on your strip lighting, and you can experiment with the joys of subtle LED lighting. Add dimmers to your lighting and you could use even less power to provide light to your living spaces.
Energy Self Sufficiency
Have you ever walked past your neighbours houses to see mini wind turbines and solar panels on the rooftops and wondered what on Earth your fellow residents were thinking? Heading to one of the many local solar companies in your area to investigate producing your own electricity might not be as daft as it sounds. Fitting solar panels to your roof may be expensive initially. However, the running costs of your home may be cut to zero. If you produce more energy than you actually need, you can sell this back to the utility company. In effect, you can begin to make money through your solar panels. The same goes for any wind turbine that you choose to install. Don’t think of the mammoth ones seen by the sides of motorways. Yours will be a discrete tiny turbine generating just enough energy for your own home.

Water
Water is a commodity that we all take for granted. However, with climate change becoming more evident, we are suffering from longer hotter summers resulting in a diminished water supply. This means you need to make an effort to cut your water usage. Take shorter showers rather than baths. Only boil a kettle with as much water as you need. And try to limit your laundry to full loads throughout the week. These tiny steps will help preserve water, while also saving you money. If you’re on a water meter, you will want to cut your water usage for the benefit of your purse strings.
Forget about spending your hard earned cash on the latest granite quartz worktop, and instead, consider making your home more environmentally friendly and fit for the twenty first century.

*collaborative post
Posted by at No comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)